Most police stations’ lots donated by LGU

By Samuel M. Toledo LEGAZPI CITY --- Some three out of four municipal police stations in the entire Bicol region are standing on solid ground, so to speak. Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon P. Buenafe, director of the Police Regional Office in Bicol, disclosed that due to the immediate response of various local government units (LGUs) for lot donations, only 28 from among the 118 towns and cities in the Bicol region have no permanent headquarters for their detailed policemen and non-uniformed personnel. He said these 28, which are in the provinces of Masbate (9 towns) Camarines Sur (7 towns), Albay (3 towns), Sorsogon (3 towns), Camarines Norte (2 towns), and Naga City (4 sub-stations), are either awaiting lot donations or in the process of completing the lot donation requirements. Buenafe said those awaiting lot donations in Masbate are the police headquarters located in the towns of Balud, Batuan, Dimasalang, Mandaon, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, San Fernando, San Jacinto and San Pascual. In Camarines Sur, the towns are Bombon, Buhi, Canaman, Caramoan, Lupi, Ragay and San Fernando.In Naga City, there are four police sub-stations awaiting lot donations. Buenafe cited the towns of Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo in Albay while in Sorsogon the towns are Casiguran, Irosin and Sta. Magdalena. In Camarines Norte, the towns without lot donations are Vinzons and Basud. “All the Municipal Police Offices in Catanduanes have complete lot donations,” he said. Buenafe cited that among the documentary requirements for lot donations are the absolute deed of donation in favor of the Philippine National Police along with complete technical description; Sangguniang Bayan (SB) resolution authorizing the mayor to donate a municipal lot; and certification/resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. “There should be a certified true copy of the mother title or transfer certificate of title (TCT) or any document proving ownership of the donor,” he said. Buenafe said for LGUs willing to provide counterpart funds for construction of the police station, an SB resolution must be included in the requirements for the programming of funds. He said the lot to be donated will also be assessed, taking into consideration the security aspect, suitability of the lot for building construction, convenience to the public and accessibility to power, water and communication facilities. “Also, a certification from the concerned government agency has to be secured that the lot location is not prone to natural hazards,” he added. The agencies commonly issuing natural hazard-free certifications include the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau or MGB; Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR; Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs; Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH; and the concerned LGUs.